Riffs You Can Use

EVEN IF YOU know a lot of cool riffs and licks, you may find yourself stumped when it’s time to come up with something creative on the fly. If in such moments you find yourself relying on tired phrases, mundane chord voicings and static, go-nowhere, copycat riffs, take heart! This lesson will shed light on the fine art of riff crafting and help you make the most of those opportunities.

THE BOOGIE RIFF

Many consider Chuck Berry to be the first rock and roll guitar god, and with good reason. His lead-and rhythm-playing styles, not to mention guitar tone and showmanship, were so influential that they have withstood the test of time. is based on Berry’s riffing style in songs such as “Johnny B. Goode” and “Sweet Little Sixteen.” Essentially, it’s a root-5th C5 power chord (C, G) alternating with a root-6th C6 grip (C, A,) and fortified by a low E-string attack on the C root note. This root-5th/root-6th figure, often referred to as a “boogie riff,” is a common fixture in blues music and early rock and roll. Equally effective in shuffle rhythms as it is in a straight-eighths grooves, it can be recast in a variety of combinations. It’s also